Visiting downtown San Antonio, or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know the heart of the city by browsing its most popular local businesses, from an upscale restaurant on the River Walk to a Mexican bakery that slings tortas and coffee.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit downtown, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Bella on the River
Topping the list is Bella on the River, a restaurant that specializes in Southern European and Mediterranean cuisines. Located at 106 River Walk St., it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 694 reviews on Yelp. On a side note, the restaurant will soon be relocating two blocks away to 204 E. Houston St.
At the upscale restaurant, you'll find menu options like grilled pork tenderloin with almond butter, grape Dijon and almonds; game hen porchetta with cannellini beans, broccolini and jus de poulet; and seafood paella with Texas Gulf shrimp, fresh clams, Prince Edward Island mussels, saffron rice with chicken and Spanish chorizo. (See the full dinner menu here.)
Yelper Mindy C., who reviewed it on June 17, wrote, "This place is an absolute must! Very small and romantic. The food and service is top notch. I had the pork tenderloin and it was done to perfection. Hubby had the paella, which was also amazing. Wine and beer only here. The salted caramel ice cream was to die for."
2. The Esquire Tavern
Next up is lounge and traditional American spot The Esquire Tavern, serving burgers and more, situated at 155 E. Commerce St. With four stars out of 2,023 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
Open since the end of Prohibition in 1933, the bar serves beer, cocktails and food. It features grub like the bison burger with remoulade, pickled red onion, lettuce and white cheddar on a sesame seed bun; the Esquire bologna melt on a sweet roll; and the Big Red empanada with braised short rib, salsa verde and chimichurri in a puff pastry. (See the full menu here.)
Cocktails include the Tilted Towers (blended Scotch whisky, fermented orange, cherry vin and lemon) and the Commerce Street Fix (blanco tequila, chartreuse, pineapple, lemon and angostura bitters). (See the drink menu here.)
Yelper Scott S. said, "Get away from the chain restaurant hell around the River Walk and go to The Esquire Tavern. You'll get delicious food, handcrafted drinks and fine service. I had an excellent burger."
3. Biga On The Banks
New American spot Biga On The Banks is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 203 S. St. Marys St., Suite 100, 4.5 stars out of 629 reviews.
The menu changes daily at the upscale eatery, but recent dishes have included seared duck breast and braised leg with brown sugar sweet potatoes; roasted Australian rack of lamb with cheddar Texas gristmill grits, fennel, baby carrots, goat feta and blackberry gastrique; and pan-seared American red snapper with garlic mashers, spanakopita and beurre blanc. (See the full sample menu here.)
Sarah R., who reviewed it on Sept. 8, said, "Words cannot express how amazing our meal here was. The service was extraordinary. We sat on the patio and had dinner. Excellent view of the River Walk. We had a cheese plate, potato leek soup, spinach salad and the venison. All of it was amazing. It's expensive, but worth it."
4. Boudro's
Boudro's, a New American restaurant that offers seafood and more, is another high-traffic neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 1,933 Yelp reviews. Head over to 421 E. Commerce St. to see for yourself.
On the menu, dishes include the mesquite grilled Texas quail stuffed with wild mushrooms, roasted corn, dried apricot, apples and poblanos; blackened prime rib with Bordreaux butter and rosemary potatoes; and yellowfin tuna marinated in achiote with roasted poblano and smashed potato cakes. (See the full menu here.)
Yelp reviewer Lindsey E. wrote, "Definitely a must try if you're looking for a nice dinner on the River Walk. The guacamole and the prickly pear margaritas are the big hits, but everything we had tasted like it was made with time and love."
5. La Panadería
Then there's La Panadería, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 460 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Mexican bakery, breakfast spot and coffee joint at 301 E. Houston St.
The eatery offers freshly baked Mexican breads, which it uses for its tortas, plus pan dulce and other sweet treats. Tortas include the La Clásica (cilantro mayo, chipotle mustard, ham, Swiss cheese, pickled jalapeños and tomatoes), the Mexican Cubana (cilantro mayo, chipotle mustard, ham, bacon, Swiss cheese, sausage and pickles) and the Chorizo & Egg. It also offers breakfast platters and coffee beverages. (See the full menu here.)
Yelper John A. wrote, "Fantastic sandwiches, made super fresh on homemade bakery bread. Service is good and fast. Sandwich comes with soup or salad. Atmosphere is nice too, with wooden picnic-style tables."
